Katikati College Year 12 student Kyla Allen-Boyd this week swapped the classroom for the Beehive after being selected as a Youth Press Gallery member for 2025.

The 16-year-old told Katikati News ahead of her trip that she thought spending three days being part of 2025’s Youth Parliament would be quite the opportunity. “I’m excited….I think it’ll just be quite a unique experience.”

Youth Parliament 2025 this week welcomed 143 youth from across Aotearoa to experience the political process, learn about how government works and represent their communities as Youth Members of Parliament or Youth Press Gallery members.

Passionate

The aim was to provide people aged 16-24 with an opportunity to develop leadership skills, influence government decision-making, and have their voices heard.

“I applied to be a Youth Press Gallery member because I’m passionate about staying informed and sharing news that matters to people my age. I think having a voice and being part of conversations about the issues that affect us is important,” said Kyla.

She said with social media playing such a huge part in the lives of Kiwi youth, checking that news online was verified wasn’t a focus for them. “A lot of people my age will just believe a lot of the stuff that they see online, instead of looking further into it, which is kind of why I’m quite passionate about it because a lot of false information is spread around social media.”

Kyla said the trip would also help her develop her writing and journalism skills while learning how the media works. “Plus, I’m excited to connect with others who care about current events and want to make a difference.”

Career thoughts

She arrived in Wellington on Monday for an orientation day, followed by two days in Parliament, where 80 Youth MPs made speeches. Youth Press Gallery members reported on proceedings, while learning about the workings of government from the perspective of the Parliamentary Press Gallery.

Kyla said YPG members were split into parliamentary working groups, and given topics to write about.

“My topic was sport and recreation.

“Some Youth MPs would give a speech around that and what they’ve done to contribute to sport and recreation in their community. I’ll write about five Youth MPs I’ve been assigned.”

After the experience, she would have produced two articles – and come home with possibly more inclination as to her tertiary study plans.

“I have a little bit of interest in journalism. I just went to a university open day and met up with the journalism faculty. I was thinking of doing that as well as a second major in law....”

For now she juggles school, two jobs and playing football. Watch this space!